Maryland coach Randy Edsall released quarterback Danny O’Brien, offensive lineman Max Garcia and linebacker Mario Rowson from their scholarships, but stipulated that they could not transfer to Vanderbilt. Edsall has questioned whether Franklin has tampered with the players, trying to lure them to Vanderbilt.

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Franklin talked about that with WGFX-FM 104.5 The Zone in Nashville.

“I don’t like innuendos and comments being made about tampering and things like that,” Franklin said on the station. “You guys know me. I am the type of guy, I am going to have relationships with my players. I hope to have relationships with the guys that play for me for the rest of my life.

“But the fact that people would make accusations that we tampered or did this or did that, again, I am just going to defend our program and defend our character and how we do things. But I think it is ridiculous to think that I am not going to have relationships with these kids after I leave places.”

According to CBSSports.com, O’Brien may file an appeal with the NCAA regarding Edsall’s stipulation after the quarterback talks with his family and high school coach this weekend. O’Brien, the paper reports, is also interested in Ole Miss, Arizona, South Florida and East Carolina.